With a naturalisation, two separate amounts arise that are often confused: the service fee you pay to civitas., and the authority fee your naturalisation authority charges. This article explains who receives which amount and what for.
The service fee to civitas.
The service fee is the package price — depending on scope 149 € to 699 €, one-time. With it you pay for the software service: the digital application wizard, the preparation of your details, and the authority-ready application PDF. It is a fixed price through to the finished application — pay once instead of an hourly fee.
The authority fee to the naturalisation authority
For the administrative act of naturalisation, the competent naturalisation authority charges a statutory fee under § 38 StAG: 255 € per adult and 51 € per child included in the application. You pay this fee directly to the authority — not to civitas.
Why there are two amounts
Official fees are not part of the package price. They arise regardless of whether you prepare the application yourself, with civitas., or with a lawyer, and are to be paid by the applicant directly to the authority.
| Service fee | Authority fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives it | civitas. | Naturalisation authority |
| What for | Software, preparation, application PDF | Administrative act of naturalisation |
| Amount | 149–699 €, one-time | 255 € adult · 51 € child (§ 38 StAG) |
You will find an overview of the packages on the pricing overview; which payment methods are available for the service fee is explained under Invoice and payment methods.